Model of a skull, probably a netsuke, Japanese.

Description

A netsuke is a form of miniature sculpture developed in Japan over a period of several hundred years. They were often beautifully decorated with elaborate carving, lacquer work, or inlays, and were attached to the end of a cord and tucked into the sash of the kimono. This ivory skull is finely carved and includes details such as teeth and a hinged mandible.